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HB 323

Bridging the Gap for ALS and Chronic Kidney Disease Act of 2025; enact

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sharon Cooper and 5 co-sponsors

HB 323 ensures individuals under 65 with disabilities, like ALS and chronic kidney disease, gain equitable access to Medicare supplement policies in Georgia.

Senate Read Second Time
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Bill Summary · HB 323

Summary of House Bill 323: Bridging the Gap for ALS and Chronic Kidney Disease Act of 2025

Bill Number: HB 323
Introduced: February 06, 2025
Status: Senate Read and Referred
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 323, titled the "Bridging the Gap for ALS and Chronic Kidney Disease Act of 2025," aims to amend existing laws regarding Medicare supplement insurance in Georgia. The primary intent of the bill is to ensure that individuals under 65 years of age who are eligible for Medicare due to disability or end-stage renal disease receive equitable access to Medicare supplement policies. This legislation seeks to eliminate disparities in insurance coverage based on age, particularly for those suffering from conditions like Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and chronic kidney disease.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes several significant changes to Chapter 43 of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, including:

  1. Eligibility Expansion:

    • Medicare supplement policies will be available to individuals under 65 who qualify for Medicare due to disability or end-stage renal disease.

  2. Open Enrollment Periods:

    • Individuals can enroll in a Medicare supplement policy at any time authorized by federal law or within six months of:
      • Enrolling in Medicare Part B.
      • Receiving notice of retroactive enrollment in Medicare Part B.
      • Experiencing a qualifying event as defined by regulations.

  3. Premium Rate Regulations:

    • Insurers are prohibited from charging higher premium rates for individuals under 65 compared to those 65 and older.

  4. Guaranteed Renewability:

    • Policies must be issued on a guaranteed renewable basis, ensuring coverage continuity as long as premiums are paid.

  5. Preexisting Condition Limitations:

    • Policies cannot exclude benefits for preexisting conditions incurred more than six months before coverage begins.

  6. Regulatory Oversight:

    • The Commissioner of Insurance will establish standards for policy provisions, including terms of renewability, benefit limitations, and claims payment practices.

  7. Implementation Timeline:

    • A one-time open enrollment period for eligible individuals will begin on January 1, 2026, lasting six months.

Impact

This legislation is expected to significantly benefit individuals under 65 years of age who are living with disabilities or chronic illnesses, particularly ALS and chronic kidney disease. By providing access to Medicare supplement policies without age-based discrimination, the bill aims to improve healthcare coverage and financial security for these vulnerable populations.

Legislative Actions

  • February 06, 2025: Bill introduced and entered the House Hopper.
  • February 10, 2025: First reading in the House.
  • February 11, 2025: Second reading in the House.
  • February 26, 2025: Favorably reported by the House Committee.
  • March 06, 2025: Passed/Adopted by the House and read for the third time.
  • March 10, 2025: Read and referred to the Senate.

This summary provides an overview of HB 323, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impact on individuals affected by ALS and chronic kidney disease in Georgia.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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